C’River State Sports Commissioner Welcomes NAFA Secretary General For The NSSFFL State Preliminaries And Talent Hunt Initiatives

To her right is 
• Mr Ekanem Ekpenyong- SSA to the Governor on sports 
• ⁠Mr Samuel Egbala- Permanent secretary sports
• ⁠Mrs Rosemary Usang- HOD Grassroots sports
• ⁠Ettah Emmanuel O. media

To her Left side 
• Mr. Obogo -SAED
• ⁠Mrs Mary Egbe - Head of Medical 
• ⁠Mr. Mike Andortan
In a significant move to foster sports development in Cross River State, Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Commissioner for Sports Development,welcomed Mr. Lawrence Ojaideh, the Secretary General of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) to her office. This visit is particularly timely as the state gears up for the upcoming National Sports Festival, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting sports at all levels.
     During the meeting, Commissioner Atsu extended a warm welcome on behalf of the governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu. She expressed gratitude to Mr. Lawrence for his initiative to introduce American football to the state and acknowledged the Minister of Sports, Sen. Owan Enoh, for facilitating this collaboration. The commissioner emphasized that the government and ministry are fully prepared to support the introduction of this sport and foster talent development in Cross River State

Highlight of the meeting was the introduction of two indigenous athletes Augustine Eden Irek from Obubra and Atibile Godswill James from Yala from Cross River State who have received scholarships through American football, enabling them to pursue their studies in the United States. This initiative not only provides educational opportunities but also showcases the potential for sports to change lives.

Furthermore, the discussion included an invitation to the finals of the secondary talent hunt held at Henshaw Town Secondary School in Calabar South, where promising young athletes displayed their skills. Mr. Lawrence expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting, pledging to scout for more athletes from Cross River State to provide them with further opportunities in American football.

This visit underscores the collaborative efforts between local and national sports bodies to enhance athletic programs and promote sports culture in Cross River State.

A key highlight of the visit was the establishment of the Cross River State American Football Committee. The following individuals were selected for the team:

- Mr. Ekanem Ekpenyong - Chairman
- Mrs. Rosemary Usang-Member.
- ⁠Mr Moses Agbor - DOS
• Mr Mike Andortan - Member.
• ⁠Mrs Victoria Victoria Obogo- Member
•  Vanessa Atsu - Member
• Mrs Mary Egbe- Medical 
• Ettah Emmanuel O. media